Contes en Maisons

Contes en Maisons: The Art of Storytelling at the Heart of Seine-et-Marne Homes

Born in 2013 on the initiative of the Departmental Federation of Rural Homes of Seine-et-Marne (FDFR 77), the Contes en Maisons festival is based on a unique and profoundly human concept: residents of the department open their doors to host storytelling sessions led by professional artists. This intimate format, unlike large performance halls, reconnects with the age-old tradition of storytelling by the fireside.

A Unique Concept: Storytelling in People's Homes

The principle is simple and warm. Volunteer hosts from all walks of life – families, retirees, young couples – offer their living room, barn, or garden to welcome about twenty people for an evening, afternoon, or morning of storytelling. A professional storyteller comes to weave their tales for about an hour, followed by a friendly gathering where drinks and treats brought by everyone are shared. It is this alchemy between the art of storytelling and the warmth of hospitality that creates the magic of the festival.

Renowned Storytellers Closer to the Public

Each edition brings together about fifteen of the most talented professional storytellers on the French-speaking scene. The 2026 edition notably features Marien Tillet, Michèle Nguyen, Bernadète Bidaude, Rémy Boussengui, Catherine Zarcate, Alex Pattie, Emmanuel Fontana, Claire Garrigue, and François Godard. Their repertoires span cultures and eras: traditional French tales, African stories, Asian legends, and fantastic or philosophical narratives.

Les Conteurs en Herbe: Transmission at the Heart of the Project

Beyond the professional program, the festival cultivates amateur practice through the Conteurs en Herbe collective, a group of residents trained throughout the year by the Foyers Ruraux. These amateur storytellers ensure the festival's opening night and provide opening acts for certain sessions. This participatory dimension embodies the spirit of the festival: making storytelling a living, accessible, and shared art.

Remarkable Territorial Network

The festival reaches across the entire department of Seine-et-Marne, from the rural villages of the south to the suburban towns of the north. More than 30 municipalities participate each year, including Melun, Nemours, Bourron-Marlotte, Livry-sur-Seine, Saint-Mammès, and many villages. In addition to the home sessions, "off" storytelling events are scheduled in media libraries, community cafes, social centers, and nursing homes, further expanding the festival's reach.

Thirteen Years of Uninterrupted Success

Since its creation, Contes en Maisons has continued to grow, driven by the enthusiasm of the host residents and the loyalty of an audience won over by the concept. Each edition sees new municipalities join the adventure, new homes open their doors, and new spectators discover the pleasure of intimate storytelling. The festival has become a must-attend event of the Seine-et-Marne spring and a nationally recognized model for cultural action in rural areas.